34 Fall Weekend Trips You Should Plan Now

If you’re looking for a quaint village with picturesque scenery, then Woodstock, Vermont is a great fall weekend trip, and a manageable drive from major cities such as Boston and New York. Located on the banks of the Ottauquechee River and among the Green Mountains, Woodstock features the only national park in Vermont, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, and three historic covered bridges. Nature lovers can view the changing leaves while hiking, biking, visiting a local farm or wandering around the village. Visitors can stay at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, complete with a spa, golf course, and upscale farm-to-table dining, or one of the area’s many bed and breakfasts. You can also try an array of delicious restaurants in town, including seasonal specialities at Mon Vert Café. Or browse the family-owned shops, including a classic general store, F.H. Gillingham & Sons.

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire offers many ways to enjoy the fall colors. See what nature has to offer in the comfort of your car via one of the many scenic drives, such as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway through the White Mountain National Forest. Visitors can also take a hop on the Conway Scenic Railroad or a gondola ride to the top of a mountain–and even enjoy a snowless dog sled tour from mid-September to November. There is also Jackson Village, complete with a covered bridge and waterfalls. In October, this village features more than 80 different locations with “Pumpkin People” on display.

Summer may seem like the ideal time to visit Newport, Rhode Island, but fall visitors can enjoy many of the same amenities the area has to offer without the crowds–and with lower hotel rates. For a more interesting hotel option, try the Rose Island Lighthouse, where you can stay in the historic lighthouse on an 18-acre island. There are plenty of delicious and upscale dining options, including the White Horse Tavern with its fireside ambience. As America’s oldest tavern, George Washington once stayed here, and the place is rumored to be housed in a haunted Colonial building. If you’re craving more spookiness, try a lantern-led ghost tour. For something more relaxing, there is Newport Vineyards, waterfront shopping, or the state’s only hydrotherapy spa.

Full of foliage, museums and history, the Berkshire Mountains, located in western Massachusetts, offer plenty to do for the autumn traveler. For a scenic road trip, take a drive up Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. Nature enthusiasts can also hike part of the Appalachian Trail or take a fall foliage train ride. There are several museums for history buffs and art lovers, including the Norman Rockwell Museum. Shopaholics can try browsing independent booksellers and toy shops, or check out an antique dealer in one of the local towns. For more relaxation or a unique experience, try a goat yoga class in October at Hancock Shaker Village.

Beloved by celebrities and politicians, Martha’s Vineyard in fall offers ideal temperatures, fewer people, and a food and wine festival. Located seven miles off Cape Cod, the island’s population balloons from about 15,500 in the off-season to 115,000 in the summer. Fall visitors can take in the beautiful scenery and beaches and shopping and dining options with more breathing room. There are also special events unique to the season, including the Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival in late October and the Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby fishing tournament running from this Sunday through October 19.

The fall weather and foliage make it a good time to see Boston’s many historic sites, especially by foot. Visitors can walk the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail, and take a step back in time through the Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill Monument, and more. If you are not up for all the walking, learn about these landmarks on an Old Trolley Tour. For a more seasonal option, learn about the city’s haunted history through a ghost tour. There are also things to do just outside of Boston’s urban landscape, such as apple picking at a local farm or a visit to Walden Pond.

Whether you choose to visit the American or Canadian side of the falls, autumn at Niagara promises beautiful scenery and fun activities. Starting in the U.S., visitors can stop by the country’s oldest state park, where there are easy hiking trails to take in the changing leaves. You can also ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley or splurge for a helicopter ride to get an aerial view of the falls and foliage. Later relax with a tasting on the Niagara Wine Trail or at a local brewery. Wine lovers can also have a good time on the Canadian side at the Niagara Wine & Grape Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the nation. The area is also home to the “most intimate and interactive horror festival in North America”–Frightmare in the Falls.

The ideal fall destination for New Yorkers, the Catskills offer wonderful scenery whether driving or hiking. Fall foliage usually peaks around the second week in October, and for a more daring way to see nature, try a Zipline Adventure Tour at Hunter Mountain. The area is also filled with fun festivals, from the largest motorcycle festival in upstate New York in East Durham to an Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain featuring a cider tasting event. Or try a speciality train ride in Arkville, featuring a twilight trip, “robbery” on the rails, mystery ride and more.

Baseball season may peak in summer, but the real thrill is the fall, with the best teams competing in the playoffs. The same can be said for Cooperstown, located about 90 minutes north of New York City and home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Beyond baseball, the area also offers fall foliage amid the mountains and Otsego Lake. Visitors can stay in the historic village at the Otesaga Resort Hotel, with water views. After checking out the Hall of Fame, there are also great seasonal activities, including the Farmers’ Museum Harvest Festival.

There is always a good excuse to visit New York City, but the fall weather is ideal for sightseeing, with the added bonus of seasonal events. The Big Apple is famous for its dining scene, but in autumn there are special events for foodies, including the New York Coffee Festival and Big Chocolate Show. During Open House New York weekend in October, you can check out 250 normally off-limits NYC sites, including architectural works and historic buildings. Entertainment options include the New York Comedy Festival and the city’s own Comic Con. And of course, New York is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween with the famous Village Halloween Parade. And for Thanksgiving there is the even more famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For family-friendly events among the foliage, the Poconos have a lot to offer fall visitors. There are many ways to see the changing leaves from hiking, biking, and scenic drives to horseback riding, a sightseeing train, and air tours. For more thrills, try a local adventure park, with an aerial ropes course, all-season tubing, zip lines, and bungee trampolines. More leisurely activities include golf, fishing, and boating.

Fall weather may provide the perfect conditions for checking out the historic sites of Philadelphia, but the season also offers visitors an array of festivals. With more than 50 festivals and events during the fall, the City of Brotherly Love has something for every taste, including several Oktoberfests. One of the most notable fall events is Fringe Festival, featuring local, national, and international artists and progressive performances. Experience more Philly culture during Mural Arts Philadelphia, with tours of the city’s 4,000 works of public art. Sports lovers can check out the Philadelphia International Unity Cup, a World Cup-style tournament running through mid-October and celebrating the city’s diverse soccer community, or the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, one of the largest rowing competitions in the world. Ghost enthusiasts can’t miss Terror Behind the Walls, housed in an historic prison, or the more family-friendly jack o’lantern display at Fairmount Park’s Jack’s Pumpkin Glow.

For seasonal events, wineries, and more attractions without the summer heat and crowds, try Cape May, New Jersey, this fall. The perfect way to learn about America’s oldest seaside resort is on a trolley tour, which even offers ghost-themed rides. To learn more about the area’s Victorian heritage, there is Victorian Weekend in October, promising history, murder mysteries, historic house tours and food. More seasonal events include a ghost walk with a psychic medium, Scarecrow Alley featuring unique homemade scarecrows, and Oktoberfest, with authentic music and food. October is also the harvest season at local wineries, which offer tastings and tours.

For comfortable weather while sightseeing among the changing leaves, fall may be the perfect time to visit the nation’s capital. After checking out the historical sites, see more scenery at one of the city’s many parks and gardens, including the U.S. National Arboretum, featuring one of North America’s largest collections of bonsai trees. It’s also noted as one of the best places to photograph fall foliage in the city. Visitors to DC are sure to catch one of the season’s many festivals during the fall, including the unique and delicious DC Mac + Cheese Festival in late October. Also during the month, celebrate Halloween at a special festival or choose from several ghost tours.

Home to the world’s largest living history museum, a fall trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, promises mild temperatures, changing leaves, and special events. History and nature lovers can enjoy a hike on the Greensprings Greenway Interpretative Trail, where they can enjoy the foliage and retrace the footsteps of the Virginia Indians and early colonists. There are several ways to celebrate the season with holiday-themed events, including the Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream, featuring six haunted houses, themed scare zones, escape rooms, and spooky shows. For Thanksgiving, visitors can learn about the food and feasts of colonial Virginia.

Featuring “one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons,” the Blue Ridge Mountain area is ideal for nature lovers. Before arriving, you can check out the region’s fall color report, map, and leaves schedule at exploreasheville.com, then take a scenic drive or a brisk hike. For a bigger adventure among the leaves, choose from several zipline tours. Enjoy in the season by picking your own apples or taking a haunted tour in Asheville. No matter the time of year, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is worth the trip. America’s largest home, the French Renaissance abode features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

There are many places around Columbia, South Carolina, to experience the changing leaves – from Congaree National Park and Cayce Riverwalk Park to Main Street. Visitors can take part in numerous festivals throughout the season, including the food-centric Palmetto Peanut Boil, South Carolina Oyster Festival, and the Five Points Chili Cook-Off. In October, there is the South Carolina State Fair, filled with fried food and spooky events, such as Deceased Farm, featuring six frightening buildings, three outdoor zones, and two acres of spooky corn fields.

Milder weather, fewer people, and lower hotel rates make this beach destination worth a fall trip. Bike or walk on Hilton Head’s 64 miles of public pathways and nature trails, or stroll along the beach, which can still be enjoyed through the season. Experience the island’s local animals with an Island Explorer dolphin tour or an Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour. Back on land, visitors in November can check out the Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival’s classic car show. If cars aren’t your thing, then there is always shopping in town or bargains at Tanger Outlets.

This popular seaside spot can still be enjoyed in the fall, but without the crowds. Located 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, this Georgia barrier island is known for its wide, pristine beaches and has been a vacation destination since the late 1800s. With the summer heat fading, it’s still an ideal time to enjoy the weather and scenery of the island, whether you are kayaking, sailing or biking. For something more unique, there is the Annual Pirate Festival, with costumes, a Thieves and Gypsies Market, and activities for adults and kids. Get more festive by learning about the island’s haunted history with the Tybee Island Historical Society or at the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Fall is also the start of oyster season, and the shellfish can be savored at local restaurants.

The southernmost point in the continental U.S., this island located about 90 miles north of Cuba has plenty of reasons for a visit, from its weather and water to its food, culture, and history. In late October, many flock to the city for its famous Fantasy Fest, described as a “10-day party in paradise for grown-ups.” Visitors can also come during the rest of fall for a more tranquil vacation, with average highs of 84° F and lows of around 76° F. One perfect way to experience the beauty and good weather of the island is with a sunset at Mallory Square — an impromptu nightly party featuring musicians, artists, food vendors, and more.

A fall trip to Mackinac Island promises the “best seats on ferries, prime lakeside restaurant tables, wonderfully deserted hiking trails and bargain hotel rates.” This national landmark boasts no cars and no chain hotels, for a tranquil vacation. Visitors can experience the island’s natural beauty in many ways, from walking and biking to kayaking, horseback riding, and even tours by air. You can also see the island with a narrated historic and scenic horse carriage tour through the island. If you’re looking for somewhere to rest after all of this activity, then try the Grand Hotel, with views overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s longest porch. The hotel also has fall weekend special offers and a Murder Mystery Weekend in October.

Take in the milder weather during what is described as one of the most beautiful times of year in the Smoky Mountains. The perfect time to see all of the fall colors is usually early to mid-November, when the foliage is at its peak. Beyond the foliage, this area also boasts plenty of activities, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, NASCAR SpeedPark, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, miniature golf courses, indoor skydiving, museums, and more.

The fall is considered Nashville’s festival season. In early October, visitors can check out Taste of Nashville. This year’s theme is Tacos and Tequila, where the top taco restaurants will compete for the “Best Taco in Nashville” title. Also during this time, there is Celebrate Nashville, featuring 30 internationally inspired food vendors, performances, and a world market, and Nashville Oktoberfest in Germantown, with its 5K Bier Run, Bratwurst Eating Contest, and Beer Slide Championship. Later in the month, enjoy more brews at the Tennessee Beer + Wine Festival. November features the Crafty Nashville arts and crafts fair, which brings together 80 artisans and crafters with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Known as the “most German city in America” New Ulm has one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation. If you attend the festival, you will be sure to meet New Ulm’s “ambassadors” – costumed gnomes. And even if you miss Oktoberfest (October 4-5 and 11-12), you can sample a handcrafted beer at August Schell Brewery, For more sober activities, try shopping at one of New Ulm’s speciality shops, like the cuckoo clock store, or take in the views from Hermann Monument.

For comfortable weather, festivals. and a botanical garden outdoor market, check out St. Louis in the fall. Visitors will never run out of special events during the season, starting with the St. Louis Renaissance Festival, the Augusta Bottoms Beer Festival, and the Great Godfrey Maze — a seven-acre corn maze at Glazebrook Park. Or check out one of the city’s many haunted houses in October, or take the opportunity to shoot zombies at a haunted paintball park.

Cooler weather and food festivals brings visitors to New Orleans in the fall. Great cuisine is a reason to visit the city anytime of year, but in autumn there are special events for food lovers, including Beignet Fest, Fried Chicken Fest, and the city’s cheese festival — Fête des Fromages. Enjoy both eats and music at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival. Boudin, Bourbon & Beer also features live musical performances, along with handcrafted food and drinks and a cigar lounge.

With better weather and fewer people than summer, autumn in Jackson Hole offers visitors great fishing, an arts festival, and more. During the day, take in the beautiful fall foliage before experiencing breathtaking sunsets. The season also promises the perfect conditions for fishing on the Snake River. Art lovers will enjoy September’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as great music and food.

For must-see scenery in the great outdoors, try Rocky Mountain Park this fall. Autumn is considered the best time to take in the area’s natural beauty and is ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. To experience the best views of the changing leaves, Rocky Mountain National Park suggests checking out Hidden Valley, the Twin Sisters Trailhead, Bear Lake Road, or Glacier Gorge Trail. Visitors can also celebrate the fall foliage at the Autumn Gold Festival in late September, featuring bands, brats, and beer.

Park City, Utah, may be known for its skiing, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit the area during the fall. This includes Utah Olympic Park, with its ziplining, and sports history. There are several options for spending time outdoors from hiking, biking, and horseback riding to golfing, fishing, and taking a hot air balloon ride. Visitors can also relax at a spa or with a whiskey tasting at High West Distillery.

Fall in Albuquerque features good weather and scenery, seasonal local markets, and the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Referred to as its “magical season,” autumn brings foliage best experienced with the cottonwood and willow trees along the Rio Grande, and in the nearby mountains. Take in the leaves with a 2.7-mile ascent on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway through the mountains. Also enjoy the views from above at the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World.” Take part in this activity any time of year or experience it during October’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Designed to look like a Bavarian village, Leavenworth, located about two hours east of Seattle, features great food, beer, shops, and festivities. Visitors can also take in the season’s scenery with the Autumn Leaf Festival. If you work up an appetite walking around the village, there are plenty of options, from the The Cheesemonger’s Shop to the outdoor eatery and beer garden München Haus. Later, quench your thirst at one of the area’s many breweries and distilleries or check out the local winery scene. Finally, get a head start on the holiday season with some shopping or a visit to the Nutcracker Museum.

Experience the colors changing in the vineyards during harvest time in Sonoma County. The area promises special offers for wine lovers, along with beautiful walks through wine country. If you are staying overnight, there are plenty of luxurious resorts, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, friends weekend, or spa retreat. There are also special events during the fall season, including the Sonoma County Arts Trail in mid-October, where over 140 artists open their studios for self-guided tours.

In the fall you can still enjoy peak season at Big Sur, along the coastline of Central California, but without the large summer crowds. Outdoor lovers can hike through eight miles of trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, while checking out the area’s redwood groves and 60-foot waterfall. Animal enthusiasts will love the season for its peak whale-watching or witness hundreds of Monarch butterflies at Andrew Molera State Park in October as they prepare to migrate for the winter. Visitors can even shop outdoors during October at one of the largest lapidary shows of its type in the world, the Big Sur Jade Festival.

With temperatures ranging from the low 50s to low 80s during the fall, this time of year has a lot to offer visitors to Mendocino, along the Northern California coast. You can also explore Mendocino’s natural beauty by kayaking among the sea caves or hiking on a coastal trail at Noyo Headlands State Park. Beyond nature, there are several must-see festivals during fall, including November’s Feast Mendocino, highlighting the area’s mushroom season, or the Festival of Trees, kicking off the Christmas season.